Wednesday, August 20, 2014

Three months ago as the beautiful, lazy summer stretched before me I could not possibly imagine excitement for the next school year. I loved the thought of having my kids 24-7. Molding every thought, answering every question, allowing endless imaginative play, sleeping in. All this in tandem with making frequent trips to the pool in order to survive the steamy temperatures.
Yes, most of that did happen; among many road trips, multiple visitors and probably hundreds of time-outs. Ah, the joys of sibling togetherness and summer indulgence. We did embrace every moment, grew more in love with each other and even managed a nice tan in the process.

Did I say I couldn't have imagined being excited for a new school year? Well, as is meant to be, the last few months have reminded me how grateful I am for our Christian education that we sacrifice for, so we can have the luxury of having another gifted human being enjoy our children a few hours a day, four days a week.

He'll be doing 1 day of preschool, but has already begun speech therapy (he loves both!!)

A lot of miles will be put on the 14 year old minivan, many projects finished last minute, hundreds of (ok, at least 50) books read, lunches packed, and lost patience as we try to get out the door on time. So much is required in our unique parent partnership school, but it is so worth everything; right at this moment.

1st day of 1st grade. Loving her ensemble!

1st day of 2nd grade! She's already in love with her teacher. Tired smile from no sleep because she got too excited.

And so it begins! I know I will forget to cross all the 't's' and dot all the 'i's', but I will fall more in love with my children, enjoy 3 hours of kid-freeness (is that a word?) a week and once again build up anticipation for our next summer together.

Sunday, August 17, 2014

You may of noticed my two year absence, but most likely it is limited to an audience of about 5 or less. That's ok. Who knew the blog fad would last this long and be such a central piece of many of our lives. Ha! Obviously, I am a slow learner.
Regardless of the millions of blogs out there, I decided I should keep this piece of web real estate and do something with it. What exactly; I am not sure. Waiting is sometimes sitting and resting, but there are often lots that we should/can do as we wait. Hmmm, I think I wrote a post on that subject before.
Much has happened in two years, most that could be summed up in pictures and a few words. If you have young children you've heard many times; 'The days are long, but the years are short' and oh. my. that is true. These last two years have been very different though, as the kids have grown into such a fun and more 'manageable' stage. For the first few years, it was all about surviving, but the last two years we've finally begun to thrive. Part of that was learning to be more intentional and realizing I needed to because the time was precious. So, as I've been learning how to do this, some of what I enjoyed went on the back burner, but now it is time.
Many prayers, questions, books, loads of laundry and thousands of meals later I come back to this. A little place that may never amount to anything, but might bring me some joy. A time to write outside my personal journal; to someone, even if it is just one.
I'm fairly certain, it won't be everyday, but I hope once a week. I might talk about some of those stellar books I've read or maybe just share about the birthday celebration we've had. Who knows, I might delve into the deeper issues of the day, but mostly it will be as I 'feel' led. Feelings aren't truth, but sometimes they can steer us in the right direction.
On that note, I will leave you with this. Our pastor's wife spoke for our quarterly 'Girls Night' and shared a fantastic word on "Faith or Feelings?". The link will take you to a list of podcasts that can be opened in iTunes for easy listening. (it's free!)
Love all who took the time to read this!!